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Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Recipe

Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

This Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Bread is a comforting and flavorful treat perfect for cozy afternoons. Loaded with tender chunks of tart Granny Smith apples and fragrant warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it offers a moist texture with a lightly crunchy turbinado sugar topping. Rich and tender from sour cream and butter, and optionally enhanced with crunchy walnuts or pecans, this bread makes a delightful homemade fall dessert or snack best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Additional Mix-ins and Topping

  • 2 cups finely chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. This evenly distributes the leavening and spices throughout the flour mixture.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to combine thoroughly. Then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor depth.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in alternating batches with the sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overworking, which can make the bread dense.
  6. Fold in Apples and Nuts: Fold the finely chopped Granny Smith apples and walnuts or pecans (if using) into the batter carefully to distribute them evenly without overmixing.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top using a spatula. Sprinkle the surface evenly with turbinado sugar to create a crunchy, sweet topping once baked.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
  9. Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it carefully to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking due to their tartness and ability to hold shape well during cooking.
  • Walnuts or pecans add texture and a nutty flavor but can be omitted to make the bread nut-free.
  • This apple bread pairs exquisitely with hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack or dessert.
  • Store any leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, wrap the bread well and freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple bread, cinnamon bread, baking recipe, warm desserts, homemade bread, fall flavors

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/warm-cinnamon-spiced-apple-bread-recipe/